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Sustainable Living Through Ceramic Lattice Panels and Natural Cooling Strategies

Authors:
Antonio Javier Martinez Rodriguez, Pablo Astrain Mocoroa, Veronica Fernandez-blanco Guinea
Sustainable Living Through Ceramic Lattice Panels and Natural Cooling Strategies

Project in-detail

Characterized by its ceramic lattice panels and traditional wind tower, the design maximizes natural ventilation and thermal efficiency, creating a sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ceramic lattice panels provide privacy while enhancing airflow and light penetration.
02
A traditional wind tower captures and directs cooler breezes into the living spaces.
03
The design incorporates rainwater management systems for landscape irrigation.
04
Sustainability is achieved through thermal mass utilizing locally sourced ceramic blocks.
05
Private terraces extend the living area, encouraging outdoor engagement in a desert climate.

# Analytical Report: Sahn House, Dubai

## Project Overview

Sahn House is situated in Dubai and seeks to reinterpret residential architecture through contemporary design, drawing inspiration from traditional Emirati elements. The intent is to integrate natural forces—such as sunlight, wind, and water—while emphasizing sustainability, thereby addressing the unique climatic challenges of the UAE.

## Spatial Organization

### Courtyard-Centric Layout
The design centers on a public courtyard, serving as a focal point for social interaction while ensuring privacy in private zones. The spatial arrangement includes both public and private courtyards, which act as essential social spaces that welcome visitors while delineating residential areas. Living spaces—including the family room, kitchen, and dining area—are organized around these courtyards, enhancing airflow and natural light throughout the house. This layout establishes a clear hierarchy, with public areas designed to be open and airy, while more intimate spaces are sheltered.

### Floor Plan Dynamics
The ground floor accommodates communal functions, boasting spacious corridors to encourage interaction. The first floor features bedrooms that benefit from private terraces, effectively merging indoor and outdoor living. Additionally, the roof incorporates solar panels and a suspended garden, which not only provide renewable energy but also contribute to green space within the urban environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability

### Locally-Inspired Material Choices
The materials employed in Sahn House are selected for both their local relevance and sustainability. Ceramic blocks are used to provide thermal mass, aiding in temperature regulation. A sand render finish aligns the structure with the surrounding landscape, while concrete offers structural integrity and design flexibility. Ceramic lattice panels enhance privacy and facilitate passive cooling, contributing to overall comfort.

### Passive Design Strategies
The design incorporates several passive strategies to minimize energy usage. A Barjeel, or wind tower, draws upon traditional techniques to enhance natural ventilation. The roof pond system collects rainwater for landscape irrigation, reinforcing sustainable water management. Furthermore, integrated solar panels contribute to energy self-sufficiency, addressing local demands for renewable resources. The architectural structure is designed for future adaptability, allowing for potential extensions as family needs evolve.

### Cultural and Environmental Integration
The architectural design pays homage to traditional Emirati principles, particularly through the incorporation of courtyards, which serve as central features in Arabian architecture. This aspect creates continuity between historical and contemporary design, reinforcing cultural identity. The emphasis on landscaped outdoor spaces encourages residents to engage with Dubai's desert climate, reducing dependence on artificial cooling solutions and fostering a strong connection with the environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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